Dan Hayes

Derbyshire police have today launched a campaign aimed at raising awareness of the dangers posed by online ‘cyber-criminals’.

The countywide ‘Protect Yourself Online’ initiative will see officers across the county teaming up to keep residents safe from harm, anti-social behaviour and criminal activities online.

As part of the campaign, a dedicated area of the force website has been set up where people can easily pick up advice, information and support on a range of topics, including child sexual exploitation, social media safety, fraud and scams.

Digital media coordinator, Detective Sergeant Karl Rowley, said: “Cybercrime is one of the most significant threats to the UK which sees criminals exploiting the internet to commit a range of offences including child abuse images and online fraud.

“Whether you are updating your social media accounts, online banking or chatting to your friends on webcam, technology plays a big part in our everyday lives so it is important to stay safe.

“As part of our cybercrime safety strategy, we will be working to raise awareness of the dangers posed by online criminals to help residents to stay safe and enjoy using the internet safely.”

Over the coming months, officers from the forces’s Digital Media Investigation Unit, alongside their ‘Digital PCSO’, will be taking part in virtual surgeries on the force website.

These will give web users the opportunity to speak to top cops and online experts about any issues that concern them.

The team will be on hand to offer advice and point people in the right direction for further support.

Over the coming week, officers will also be hosting cybercrime pop-up stalls as part of a wider event to promote a safer Derbyshire.

These will take place between 10am and 3pm at Chesterfield Library on Saturday, October 24, Alfreton Library on Monday, October 26 and Swadlincote Library on Wednesday, October 28.

To find out more visit the Protect Yourself Online website at www.derbyshire.police.uk/Safety-advice/Cybercrime/Cybercrime.aspx.